Comment from Thomas Bowling

Excellent

This is very good. I get a history lesson, a poetry lesson, and an excellent poem at the same time. I enjoy writing that teaches me something. You've done that with this excellent piece of writing.

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2017

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2017

Thanks for your kind words, Thomas. This one took more time than I expected for so short a poem! A cunning little form! All the best, Tony.

Comment from Curly Girly

Excellent

Hi, Tony. This is a fun read. It is short but manages to convey a story of debt, loan sharks and of retribution.
It makes use of some alliteration and although short, it did not read smoothly.
This part:
Bloodstained dirk,
What is a dirk?
Capital 'D' if it is the guy's name. Not sure if this was a typo or not.

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 Comment Written 04-Jul-2017

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reply by the author on 04-Jul-2017

Thanks, NIcole. A dirk is a long thrusting dagger. The word is common in Scotland and of Celtic origin, as is this poetic form. These early forms were based on syllable count rather than the smoother rhythmic structure that we are more used to in modern rhymed verse. Best wishes, Tony

reply by Curly Girly on 04-Jul-2017

Thank you, Tony.

Comment from w.j.debi

Excellent

This is an interesting form and new to me. I appreciate the author notes describing the origin and particulars of the form.

The rhyming pattern is also interesting. You handle the challenge of the form well and deliver a well written message, as always.

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 Comment Written 04-Jul-2017

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reply by the author on 04-Jul-2017

Very many thanks for your review, WJ. Appreciated. Tony